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The Vikings Have Some Big Decisions at Wide Receiver
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- The Vikings Have Some Big Decisions at Wide Receiver
Brad Rempel
Wide receiver is one of the under-the-radar positions for the Vikings when it comes to big decisions this offseason. However, decisions need to be made across the whole position group.
The NFL world will once again be full of trade proposals for Justin Jefferson. That's not going to happen, not this year. Another season like 2025, and the Vikings' star player might start to kick up a fuss and want out. Kevin O'Connell will likely have also been fired, and a new leadership group might consider trading Jefferson for a haul.
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Nailor, the Draft, and Minnesota's WR Depth Questions
For now, Jefferson will stay in Minnesota as the Vikings' star player. 2026 needs to provide a season that makes Jefferson believe staying is the right move for him.
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) celebrates with fans after a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
The Vikings' other first-round WR draftee, Jordan Addison, is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract – a decision on his fifth-year option is looming. If the decision were based purely on talent, then it would be fairly simple, but Addison's history of indiscretions away from football, which cost him three games of the 2025 season through a ban, muddies the waters. Do the Vikings want to take on Addison to a long-term, expensive contract?
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I expect the Vikings to take their time with the Addison decision; there won't be an early contract extension, but they'll likely commit to the fifth-year option.
What to Do at WR3?
For the past couple of seasons, Jalen Nailor has filled the WR3 role in Minnesota and has done a solid job, hitting over 400 receiving yards in both seasons and scoring 10 touchdowns. Nailor hits free agency and should garner plenty of interest. His contract projection ranges from $4 million to $12 million a year — even the lower end might be too much for Minnesota in its current position.
Minnesota Vikings new wide receiver Tai Felton during 2025 Rookie Minicamp in May 2025. Minnesota used a 3rd-Round pick on Felton from the University of Maryland, and he'll be attached to the roster through the end of the 2028 season.
Nailor showed a good rapport with J.J. McCarthy last season, and it would be nice to bring him back, but a more needy team at WR should be looking to give him the opportunity for a bigger role and potentially a true breakout season.
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The Vikings could look to pick up a WR in this year's draft, but their third-round pick from last season, Tai Felton, has had no real opportunity yet. Felton got three targets across his entire rookie season. He flashed ability, catching all three targets for 25 yards and two first downs, but in a season where the Vikings' offense struggled, he wasn't able to make much impact.
He deserves a fair shot at showcasing his talents, but what do the Vikings think of him as a potential WR3? It's hard to guess at this point. Myles Price rounded out the WR room in 2025 but was used exclusively as a returner.
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell speaks to the referee during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota could look for a veteran to come in and fill out the depth chart. A big name became available recently: Tyreek Hill was cut by the Miami Dolphins, and a multi-time Pro Bowler who has repeatedly talked about his Vikings fandom as a kid is immediately linked to Minnesota .
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Hill turns 32 at the beginning of March and is recovering from a gruesome leg injury, but that's what might make him affordable. Still, it's probably a long shot, and the Vikings will have to find a bargain player while hoping Felton leaps in Year 2.
